Kid Peña vows sanctions vs. defiant Makati officials

Acting Makati Mayor Romulo "Kid" Peña, Jr. warned city officials that they will face the consequences under the law if they will refuse to recognize his authority as the local chief executive in lieu of the suspended Mayor Junjun Binay.

"Tayo ay makikiusap pero sa ibang susunod na hakbang, gagamitin natin ang dapat ma-enforce na batas at kung hindi pa rin sumunod sa batas, eh malalaman nila ang kalalagyan nila sa batas," Peña said.

Kim Reyes, the chairman of Barangay Kasilawan, earlier told GMA News Online that the heads of 33 villages will not support Peña even with suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay's decision to temporarily leave the city hall.

Peña said the city council should perform their duties because they are elected by the people of Makati.

"Kung alam nilang resonable ang isang bagay, hindi sila pwedeng tumanggi dahil para ito sa Makati," he said.

Peña held a press briefing at the controversial Makati City Hall Building II as the city hall remains on lockdown and the police authorities have yet to give the clearance allowing the entry of employees.

Peña said he sent a letter to Councilor Virgilio Hilario to accept his position as acting Vice Mayor but Hilario has yet to respond.

Next week, Peña will hold a dialog with Makati businessmen and religious groups as well as non-government organizations.

"Para marinig ko ang inyong mga tinig, mga saloobin, ang gusto niyong mabago dito sa Makati para ang serbisyo ay tatanghaling pinakamaganda dito sa Pilipinas," he said.

Pena said under his leadership, benefits given to senior citizens will be doubled. Senior citizens are presently given monetary and medical benefits as well as free birthday cakes.

"Makakaasa kayo na mananatiling tapat at bukas kami para sa inyong pangangailangan," he said adding that the benefits for senior citizens will already be delivered to their homes.

Asked whether he intends to run for mayor in 2016, Pena said he will first fulfill his obligations as acting mayor. -NB, GMA News